Rockets poised to make final push for playoff spot

Just a few days after Marcus Camby was traded from Portland to Pearland, and less than two weeks before the Rockets returned home coming off a four-game sweep of their road trip, the 15-year pro declared that for his new team the playoffs had begun.

His new teammates, most with relatively little playoff experience, did not know any better and believed him.

Pretending that games in March and early April are playoff games might have been one way for the Rockets to escape the lottery. The idea, however, was to get to the real thing.

Now they have their chance.

“We have to take care of business at home,” guard Goran Dragic said. “These are going to be huge games for us. If we do that, I think it will be 100 percent we’re in the playoffs.”

Method-acting their way to handling playoff pressure won’t be much of a stretch. The next five games will even look like the postseason, with no Warriors or Kings in sight. Naturally, and in many ways fittingly, that stretch begins tonight against longtime rival Utah, starting a stretch of games against teams – the Jazz, Suns, Nuggets (twice) and Mavericks – also fighting for playoff spots or positioning.

Win their share of those games, and the Rockets are in and would even look the part.

“We understand everything is on the line,” forward Chandler Parsons said. “It was a huge road trip to win four straight. Now we have to take care of business at home.

“We’re all so close (in the standings). Every game is going to be huge for us. The teams we play are in the same situation, so it’s going to be interesting. Everybody has the same opportunity to play, win games and make the playoffs. It’s definitely exciting that it’s going to be determined playing each other instead of other teams. The best eight teams will get in.”

Riding the wave

The Rockets’ four-game winning streak is the longest among the group and gives them a two-game cushion on the ninth-place Suns and a 21/2 game lead on the Jazz.

The Rockets brought back Kyle Lowry on the road trip and have Dragic performing at a player-of-the-week level. Other than Kevin Martin’s continuing shoulder problems and a few nagging colds, they are at full strength.

A few home victories would not clinch a playoff spot, but with wins this week and with games remaining against the lottery-bound Hornets (twice) and Warriors, the Rockets finally could feel like they are headed back to the playoffs.

“A lot of teams we fight for the playoffs have tough schedules,” Dragic said. “If we play them and we beat them, we’ll know we’re in front of them. These games are going to be fun. Everybody will try to play as hard as possible. We’ll play at home. Our home crowd will give us an extra boost of energy. Those games are really, really good to play.”

Dragic didn’t say it, but the upcoming games will have a playoff-like intensity, and unlike in recent games at Sacramento and Portland, the Rockets won’t have to remind themselves that a weaker opponent could mount a comeback. After rallying to beat the Bulls and Lakers to start the trip, the Rockets built, lost and rebuilt double-digit leads against the Kings and Blazers, fighting fatigue and human nature. That won’t be an issue this week.

“It’s going to be high intensity, and it’s going to be good, hard-fought basketball,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “We’re going to have to go out there and battle.”

Taking care of business

With their season on the line and having gained confidence with their road sweep, the Rockets like their current situation. They have been at their best since Camby said their playoffs had begun. Beginning Wednesday night, they will play for the kind of stakes similar to what will be involved if and when they actually get to the playoffs.

“We’re competing for the same thing,” guard Courtney Lee said. “If we can continue to handle our business, we can give ourselves the for-sure shot at making the playoffs. Knowing that every game means more than the average game, it gives everybody that extra boost to go out there and fight.”

Dwight Howard is the 11th and likely final Rocket to ever wear No. 12. See who is the best player to wear each jersey number in franchise history. Note: The following numbers have not been worn: 26, 28, 36-39, 46-49, 56-95, 97-99. less

Dwight Howard is the 11th and likely final Rocket to ever wear No. 12. See who is the best player to wear each jersey number in franchise history. Note: The following numbers have not been worn: 26, 28, 36-39, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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<center><strong>00 - Calvin Garrett</center></strong><br>
Garrett averaged 5.3 points in two-plus years with the Rockets from 1980-1983. He started 22 games in the 1981-82 season.

<center><strong>00 - Calvin Garrett</center></strong><br>
Garrett averaged 5.3 points in two-plus years with the Rockets from 1980-1983. He started 22 games in the 1981-82 season.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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<center><strong>0 - Aaron Brooks</center></strong><br>
The Rockets drafted Brooks out of Oregon in the first round of the 2007 draft. He averaged 12.7 points in three-plus seasons with the Rockets. Brooks was second to Kevin Martin in scoring with a 19.6 average in the 2009-10 season, when he was named the NBA's most improved player. less

<center><strong>0 - Aaron Brooks</center></strong><br>
The Rockets drafted Brooks out of Oregon in the first round of the 2007 draft. He averaged 12.7 points in three-plus seasons with the Rockets. Brooks was ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>1 - Tracy McGrady</center></strong><br>
In five-plus injury-riddled seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 22.7 points and became the 12th leading scorer in franchise history with 6,888 points. He was a three-time All-Star and led the Rockets to the playoffs three times. less

<center><strong>1 - Tracy McGrady</center></strong><br>
In five-plus injury-riddled seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 22.7 points and became the 12th leading scorer in franchise history with 6,888 points. ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2 - Rick Barry</center></strong><br>
His best days were played elsewhere, but Barry finished up his Hall of Fame career here in Houston. He averaged 12.8 points in two seasons. less

<center><strong>2 - Rick Barry</center></strong><br>
His best days were played elsewhere, but Barry finished up his Hall of Fame career here in Houston. He averaged 12.8 points in two ... more

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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<center><strong>3 - Steve Francis</center></strong><br>
The Rockets traded for Francis before he ever played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, who picked him second overall in 1999. He starred for five seasons in Houston, averaging 19 points a game and becoming the 11th leading scorer in franchise history. He was the 1999-00 co-Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star. less

<center><strong>3 - Steve Francis</center></strong><br>
The Rockets traded for Francis before he ever played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, who picked him second overall in 1999. He starred for five seasons in ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>4 - Charles Barkley</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer played his final four seasons in Houston. He was a two-time All-Star with the Rockets. In the 1996-97 season, he averaged 19.2 points and 13.5 rebounds and led the Rockets to the Western Conference finals. less

<center><strong>4 - Charles Barkley</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer played his final four seasons in Houston. He was a two-time All-Star with the Rockets. In the 1996-97 season, he averaged 19.2 ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>5 - Cuttino Mobley</center></strong><br>
Mobley was drafted in the second round in 1998 and became the 10th leading scorer in Rockets history. He averaged 17.1 points in six years and averaged a team-best 21.7 points in 2001-02, when the Rockets went 28-54. less

<center><strong>5 - Cuttino Mobley</center></strong><br>
Mobley was drafted in the second round in 1998 and became the 10th leading scorer in Rockets history. He averaged 17.1 points in six years and averaged ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>6 - Tom Henderson</center></strong><br>
Henderson wrapped up his nine-year career with four in Houston. The point guard averaged 5.6 points and 3.97 assists.

<center><strong>6 - Tom Henderson</center></strong><br>
Henderson wrapped up his nine-year career with four in Houston. The point guard averaged 5.6 points and 3.97 assists.

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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<center><strong>7 - Kyle Lowry</center></strong><br>
Picked up in mid-season 2009, Lowry became arguably the most valuable player on the team during his three-plus year run. During the 2011-12 season, Lowry averaged a career-best 14.3 points per game. less

<center><strong>7 - Kyle Lowry</center></strong><br>
Picked up in mid-season 2009, Lowry became arguably the most valuable player on the team during his three-plus year run. During the 2011-12 season, Lowry ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>8 - Eddie Johnson</center></strong><br>
Johnson finished his 17-year NBA career with two seasons in Houston. He averaged 8.4 points in 75 games in the 1997-98 season. less

<center><strong>8 - Eddie Johnson</center></strong><br>
Johnson finished his 17-year NBA career with two seasons in Houston. He averaged 8.4 points in 75 games in the 1997-98 ... more

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP

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<center><strong>9 - Lionel Hollins</center></strong><br>
Hollins, best known for his time with the 76ers, finished his career with Houston in 1984-85. He averaged 7.6 points that season. less

<center><strong>9 - Lionel Hollins</center></strong><br>
Hollins, best known for his time with the 76ers, finished his career with Houston in 1984-85. He averaged 7.6 points that ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>10 - Sam Cassell</center></strong><br>
Cassell was drafted with the 24th overall pick in 1993 and won NBA titles in his first two years with the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his three seasons as a reserve before being traded in August 1996. less

<center><strong>10 - Sam Cassell</center></strong><br>
Cassell was drafted with the 24th overall pick in 1993 and won NBA titles in his first two years with the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his three ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>11 - Yao Ming</center></strong><br>
Yao, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002, was an All-Star in each of his eight seasons before a string of injuries forced the 7-6 center into retirement. He finished sixth in franchise history in scoring and rebounding and became an icon in his native China. less

<center><strong>11 - Yao Ming</center></strong><br>
Yao, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002, was an All-Star in each of his eight seasons before a string of injuries forced the 7-6 center into retirement. He ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>12 -Dwight Howard</center></strong><br>
Acquired in the summer of 2013, Dwight has not disappointed as he has provided the Rockets with inside scoring and interior defense. less

<center><strong>12 -Dwight Howard</center></strong><br>
Acquired in the summer of 2013, Dwight has not disappointed as he has provided the Rockets with inside scoring and interior ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / For the Chronicle

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<center><strong>13 - James Harden</center></strong><br> Acquired just days before the 2012-13 season, Harden instantly became an elite player for the superstar-starved Rockets. The bearded shooting guard averaged 25.9 points and 5.8 assists in leading the Rockets back to the playoffs. less

<center><strong>13 - James Harden</center></strong><br> Acquired just days before the 2012-13 season, Harden instantly became an elite player for the superstar-starved Rockets. The bearded shooting guard ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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<center><strong>14 - Mike Newlin</center></strong><br>
Newlin was taken in the second round of the 1971 draft and played the first eight seasons of his career in Houston. He is eighth in franchise history in scoring and was a workhorse, playing every game in four seasons. He was also one of the best free-throw shooters (87 percent) in NBA history. less

<center><strong>14 - Mike Newlin</center></strong><br>
Newlin was taken in the second round of the 1971 draft and played the first eight seasons of his career in Houston. He is eighth in franchise history in ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>15 - John Lucas</center></strong><br>
Lucas was the No. 1 draft pick by the Rockets in 1976 out of Maryland and played two years with the Rockets before being sent to Golden State. He played three more seasons -- including his final year -- later toward the end of his career. He averaged 11.5 points in his time here. less

<center><strong>15 - John Lucas</center></strong><br>
Lucas was the No. 1 draft pick by the Rockets in 1976 out of Maryland and played two years with the Rockets before being sent to Golden State. He played ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>16 - George Johnson</center></strong><br>
Johnson played two years with the Rockets in the early 1970s, scoring 97 points in 45 games. He is the only player to wear No. 16 for the Rockets. less

<center><strong>16 - George Johnson</center></strong><br>
Johnson played two years with the Rockets in the early 1970s, scoring 97 points in 45 games. He is the only player to wear No. 16 for the ... more

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

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<center><strong>17 - Mario Elie</center></strong><br>
Elie played five seasons in Houston and was a key contributor on the two NBA title teams. He averaged more than 11 points in each of his final two seasons in town. He's best remembered for the Kiss of Death 3-pointer that eliminated the Suns in the 1995 playoffs. less

<center><strong>17 - Mario Elie</center></strong><br>
Elie played five seasons in Houston and was a key contributor on the two NBA title teams. He averaged more than 11 points in each of his final two seasons ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>18 - Cedric Maxwell</center></strong><br>
Maxwell, best known for winning two titles with the Celtics and being named MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals, played the final season and a half of his 11-year career with the Rockets. He averaged about five points in 117 games. less

<center><strong>18 - Cedric Maxwell</center></strong><br>
Maxwell, best known for winning two titles with the Celtics and being named MVP of the 1981 NBA Finals, played the final season and a half of his ... more

Photo: Getty

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<center><strong>19 - Mike Harris</center></strong><br>
The former Rice star is the only player in franchise history to wear this number. Harris has averaged 3.2 points in 29 games with the Rockets. less

<center><strong>19 - Mike Harris</center></strong><br>
The former Rice star is the only player in franchise history to wear this number. Harris has averaged 3.2 points in 29 games with the ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>20 - Jon Barry</center></strong><br>
Barry was a former ballboy with the Rockets and finished his 14-year career with 73 games over two seasons in Houston in 2004-06. He averaged 6.2 points in 73 games. less

<center><strong>20 - Jon Barry</center></strong><br>
Barry was a former ballboy with the Rockets and finished his 14-year career with 73 games over two seasons in Houston in 2004-06. He averaged 6.2 points in ... more

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>21 - Sleepy Floyd</center></strong><br>
Floyd played six seasons with the Rockets, from 1988-1993. He played every game in four consecutive seasons with the Rockets and started every game in 1988-89. He averaged 11.4 points as a Rocket. The Rockets made the playoffs in five of his seasons. less

<center><strong>21 - Sleepy Floyd</center></strong><br>
Floyd played six seasons with the Rockets, from 1988-1993. He played every game in four consecutive seasons with the Rockets and started every game in ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>22 - Clyde Drexler</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer was a mid-season acquisition in 1994-95 and helped the Rockets win their second consecutive NBA title. He averaged 18.9 points as a Rocket and scored 22,195 points in his NBA career. less

<center><strong>22 - Clyde Drexler</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer was a mid-season acquisition in 1994-95 and helped the Rockets win their second consecutive NBA title. He averaged 18.9 points as a ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>23 - Calvin Murphy</center></strong><br>
Murphy is the shortest player in the Hall of Fame. The 5-9 Murphy is second in franchise history in points (17,949) and steals (1,165) and first in assists (4,402). Murphy is also one of the best free-throw shooters of all time, with an 89.2 percent career mark. less

<center><strong>23 - Calvin Murphy</center></strong><br>
Murphy is the shortest player in the Hall of Fame. The 5-9 Murphy is second in franchise history in points (17,949) and steals (1,165) and first in ... more

Photo: Tim Johnson / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>24 - Moses Malone</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer played six seasons with the Rockets and had an MVP season in 1981-82 when he averaged 31 points and an NBA best 14.7 rebounds and led the Rockets to the NBA Finals. In his six years in Houston, Malone averaged 15 rebounds a game. He left Houston as a free agent for Philadelphia, where he finally won an NBA title. less

<center><strong>24 - Moses Malone</center></strong><br>
The Hall of Famer played six seasons with the Rockets and had an MVP season in 1981-82 when he averaged 31 points and an NBA best 14.7 rebounds and led ... more

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>25 - Robert Horry</center></strong><br>
The Rockets drafted Horry 11th overall in the 1992 draft. He started from Day 1, averaging just 10.6 points in four seasons in Houston but developing a reputation for clutch shooting that helped the Rockets to two titles. The seven-time NBA champion was part of the deal that brought Charles Barkley to the Rockets from Phoenix. less

<center><strong>25 - Robert Horry</center></strong><br>
The Rockets drafted Horry 11th overall in the 1992 draft. He started from Day 1, averaging just 10.6 points in four seasons in Houston but developing a ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>27 - Caldwell Jones</center></strong><br>
He was a full-time starter for two seasons in the early 1980s and was one of three Jones brothers (Charles, Major) to play for the Rockets. He averaged 10 points in his last year. less

<center><strong>27 - Caldwell Jones</center></strong><br>
He was a full-time starter for two seasons in the early 1980s and was one of three Jones brothers (Charles, Major) to play for the Rockets. He ... more

Photo: Timothy Bullard / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>29 - Marcus Camby</center></strong><br>
The four-time all-defensive pick and former Defensive Player of the Year became a Rocket at the 2012 trade deadline to solidify the defense and rebounding off the bench. less

<center><strong>29 - Marcus Camby</center></strong><br>
The four-time all-defensive pick and former Defensive Player of the Year became a Rocket at the 2012 trade deadline to solidify the defense and ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>30 - Kenny Smith</center></strong><br>
Smith was the starting point guard on the two Rockets' title teams during his six years in town. He averaged 11 points and four assists during the title years. He was best known for his Game 1 performance in the 1995 Finals, when he made seven 3-pointers. He finished in the top 10 in 3-point percentage in three straight seasons. less

<center><strong>30 - Kenny Smith</center></strong><br>
Smith was the starting point guard on the two Rockets' title teams during his six years in town. He averaged 11 points and four assists during the title ... more

Photo: Dave Einsel / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>31 - Shane Battier</center></strong><br>
Battier played four-plus seasons in Houston and became a fan favorite as a defensive stalwart. Battier's best offensive season in Houston was in 2006-07 when he averaged 10.1 points. less

<center><strong>31 - Shane Battier</center></strong><br>
Battier played four-plus seasons in Houston and became a fan favorite as a defensive stalwart. Battier's best offensive season in Houston was in ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>32 - Lewis Lloyd</center></strong><br>
Lloyd averaged 16.9 points to help lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, which they lost in six games to the Celtics. He averaged a career-best 17.8 points in 1983-84. less

<center><strong>32 - Lewis Lloyd</center></strong><br>
Lloyd averaged 16.9 points to help lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, which they lost in six games to the Celtics. He averaged a career-best 17.8 ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>33 - Otis Thorpe</center></strong><br>
Thorpe is ninth in franchise history in points (8,177) and fifth in rebounds (5,010). He was the starting power foward on the Rockets' first title team, averaging 14 points and 10.6 rebounds that season. less

<center><strong>33 - Otis Thorpe</center></strong><br>
Thorpe is ninth in franchise history in points (8,177) and fifth in rebounds (5,010). He was the starting power foward on the Rockets' first title team, ... more

Photo: Ira Strickstein / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>34 - Hakeem Olajuwon</center></strong><br>
The Dream. Simply put, he is the best player in franchise history and one of the best team-sport athletes in Houston history. He's one of the best centers in NBA history. He re-wrote the Rockets record book, finishing with 26,511 points and 3,740 blocks (the most in NBA history). less

<center><strong>34 - Hakeem Olajuwon</center></strong><br>
The Dream. Simply put, he is the best player in franchise history and one of the best team-sport athletes in Houston history. He's one of the best ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>35 - Scott Padgett</center></strong><br>
Padgett played two-plus seasons with the Rockets. He was a power forward with 3-point shooting range (finishing with 43 percent in 2003-04). less

<center><strong>35 - Scott Padgett</center></strong><br>
Padgett played two-plus seasons with the Rockets. He was a power forward with 3-point shooting range (finishing with 43 percent in ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>40 - Shandon Anderson</center></strong><br> Anderson was signed from the Jazz after they reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. He averaged 10.5 points with the Rockets in 2000-2001. less

<center><strong>40 - Shandon Anderson</center></strong><br> Anderson was signed from the Jazz after they reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. He averaged 10.5 points with the Rockets in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>41 - Glen Rice</center></strong><br>
Rice, a three-time All-Star, played 82 games in two seasons with the Rockets. He averaged 8.9 points.

<center><strong>41 - Glen Rice</center></strong><br>
Rice, a three-time All-Star, played 82 games in two seasons with the Rockets. He averaged 8.9 points.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>42 - Kevin Willis</center></strong><br> Willis played three seasons of his his 21-year career with the Rockets. Willis averaged 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds with the Rockets and became a fan favorite. less

<center><strong>42 - Kevin Willis</center></strong><br> Willis played three seasons of his his 21-year career with the Rockets. Willis averaged 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds with the Rockets and became a fan ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>43 - Jim Petersen</center></strong><br> The Rockets drafted Petersen in the third round of the 1984 draft, and he was the starting power forward on the 1986 Finals team. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in four seasons with the Rockets. less

<center><strong>43 - Jim Petersen</center></strong><br> The Rockets drafted Petersen in the third round of the 1984 draft, and he was the starting power forward on the 1986 Finals team. He averaged 7.6 points ... more

Photo: AP

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<center><strong>44 - Elvin Hayes</center></strong><br> The Hall of Famer started his career with the San Diego Rockets and finished his career with three seasons in Houston, averaging 20.6 points and 12.1 rebounds in seven years with the franchise. less

<center><strong>44 - Elvin Hayes</center></strong><br> The Hall of Famer started his career with the San Diego Rockets and finished his career with three seasons in Houston, averaging 20.6 points and 12.1 ... more

Photo: Larry Reese / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>45 - Rudy Tomjanovich</center></strong><br>
Rudy T is, fittingly, the only player ever to wear No. 45. It was retired. He was a five-time All-Star and is third in points scored in franchise history. He later led Houston to its two NBA titles as coach and is regarded as one of the most beloved Rockets ever. less

<center><strong>45 - Rudy Tomjanovich</center></strong><br>
Rudy T is, fittingly, the only player ever to wear No. 45. It was retired. He was a five-time All-Star and is third in points scored in franchise ... more

Photo: Tim Johnson / Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 50

<center><strong>50 - Ralph Sampson</center></strong><br>
He was drafted No. 1 overall out of Virginia in the 1983 NBA draft and was an All-Star each of his four full seasons in Houston. Sampson averaged 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in Houston. less

<center><strong>50 - Ralph Sampson</center></strong><br>
He was drafted No. 1 overall out of Virginia in the 1983 NBA draft and was an All-Star each of his four full seasons in Houston. Sampson averaged 19.7 ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>51 - Jawann Oldham</center></strong><br>
Oldham, the only player ever to wear No. 51, played 22 games with the Rockets in the 1981-82 season. He scored 34 points, with a career high of five. less

<center><strong>51 - Jawann Oldham</center></strong><br>
Oldham, the only player ever to wear No. 51, played 22 games with the Rockets in the 1981-82 season. He scored 34 points, with a career high of ... more

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rockets

Image 45 of 50

<center><strong>52 - Chuck Nevitt</center></strong><br> Nevitt was drafted by the Rockets in 1982 and played three seasons overall in Houston. He is the second tallest player in Rockets history at 7-foot-5. less

<center><strong>52 - Chuck Nevitt</center></strong><br> Nevitt was drafted by the Rockets in 1982 and played three seasons overall in Houston. He is the second tallest player in Rockets history at ... more

Photo: Ira Strickstein / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>53 - Stanley Roberts</center></strong><br>
Roberts is the only player ever to wear No. 53. He scored 14 points in six games in the 1998-99 season.

<center><strong>53 - Stanley Roberts</center></strong><br>
Roberts is the only player ever to wear No. 53. He scored 14 points in six games in the 1998-99 season.

Photo: MICHAEL CAULFIELD / AP

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<center><strong>54 - Patrick Patterson</center></strong><br>
Patterson was picked 14th overall in the 2010 draft by the Rockets. Patterson averaged a career-best 11.6 points per game in his third and final season in Houston. less

<center><strong>54 - Patrick Patterson</center></strong><br>
Patterson was picked 14th overall in the 2010 draft by the Rockets. Patterson averaged a career-best 11.6 points per game in his third and final ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>55 - Dikembe Mutombo</center></strong><br>
The eight-time All-Star and defensive dynamo finished his NBA career with four seasons in Houston. He averaged 3.3 points and 5.5 blocks here. He also was a part of the Rockets' memorable 22-game winning streak in 2008. less

<center><strong>55 - Dikembe Mutombo</center></strong><br>
The eight-time All-Star and defensive dynamo finished his NBA career with four seasons in Houston. He averaged 3.3 points and 5.5 blocks here. He ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>88 - Alexey Shved</center></strong><br>
For nine games during the 2014-15 season, Alexey Shved became the only player in Rockets history to wear No. 88.

<center><strong>88 - Alexey Shved</center></strong><br>
For nine games during the 2014-15 season, Alexey Shved became the only player in Rockets history to wear No. 88.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>96 - Metta World Peace</center></strong><br>
Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace averaged 17.1 points in his one season in Houston, 2008-2009.

<center><strong>96 - Metta World Peace</center></strong><br>
Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace averaged 17.1 points in his one season in Houston, 2008-2009.